Defending champions Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final on Wednesday, booking a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
England looked set to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead in the 55th minute. But Argentina produced a late comeback, with Enzo Fernández equalising five minutes from time before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in stoppage time from a Lionel Messi cross.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final as they seek to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Argentina will face Spain in the championship match, while England will take on France in the third-place playoff.
England frustrated Argentina for much of the contest, limiting Lionel Messi’s influence during the opening hour through disciplined defending and midfield pressure. The breakthrough came early in the second half when Gordon finished to hand the Three Lions a deserved advantage.
However, Argentina’s quality showed in the closing stages. Messi drifted to the right flank, creating more space and posing greater attacking threats. The pressure finally paid off in the 85th minute when Fernández levelled the score before Martínez completed the turnaround deep into added time with a header from Messi’s pinpoint delivery.
England captain Harry Kane admitted his side retreated too deep after taking the lead, allowing Argentina to dominate possession and seize control of the match.
“We tried to hold on, but it wasn’t enough,” Kane said after the defeat, adding that the team had been close to reaching the final but could not see the game out.
The result extends England’s wait for a first World Cup final appearance in six decades, while Argentina move one victory away from successfully defending their world title. Messi, who provided the assist for the winning goal, also strengthened his position in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot with eight goals and four assists.
